The just concluded mWISE Conference in Washington, D.C. brought together cybersecurity experts, thought leaders and tech luminaries for four full days of discussions and insights.

The conference covered a wide range of topics, shedding light on the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. During the event, theCUBE analysts talked with industry experts to unpack the complex layers of current digital defense mechanisms.

“You start to look at the fact that AI is going to change the game both positively and negatively for attackers and for defense,” said industry analyst Rob Strechay (pictured right). “I think the social engineering part of it scares me a little bit with deep fakes and some of the stuff that’s going to be done there.”

Strechay spoke with fellow industry analysts John Furrier (left) and Rebecca Knight (center) as part of the event wrap-up at the mWISE Conference, during an exclusive broadcast on theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s livestreaming studio. They discussed the key takeaways from the conference, explored the intersection of cybersecurity and geopolitics, the rise of AI in safeguarding our digital realm and the promise of diversity to fortify our defenses. (* Disclosure below.)

Geopolitical concerns and cybersecurity: A new reality

One of the most striking takeaways from the conference was the growing intersection between cybersecurity and geopolitics. Organizations need to pay attention to the geopolitical aspects of cybersecurity, which signals that the world has a significant problem on its hands.

No longer limited to isolated malware attacks, the emergence of zero-day threats — vulnerabilities that remain undiscovered — potentially provide hackers with the upper hand. This zero-day phenomenon allows attackers to compromise systems before security measures can be implemented, highlighting the urgency for improved defenses, according to Furrier.

“The fact that more zero days are happening means that they’re in compromised net systems,” he said. “The threats are real … it’s targeted militant-like funded teams who are pre-orchestrating maneuvers and plays to infiltrate and get the jewels, the data … from ransomware to other damage.”

Social engineering also emerged as a focal point of concern. It is clear that social engineering, a sophisticated hacking technique, is here to stay, according to Furrier. The conference underlined that combatting social engineering attacks requires a fundamental shift in mindset, focusing on how to prevent unauthorized access rather than solely on how to respond once a breach occurs.

“The problem is massive,” Furrier said. “The social engineering thing is a state-of-the-art hack … and the fact is, that’s never going away.”

AI, diversity and hope: Shaping the future of cybersecurity

The conference also explored the transformative role of AI in cybersecurity. While AI presents challenges, such as the rise of deep fakes, it is also seen as a significant asset for defense.

AI promises to reduce the burden on cybersecurity professionals by automating routine tasks, allowing for more time to focus on complex, high-value tasks. This technological shift is expected to open up opportunities for a more diverse workforce in the field of cybersecurity, bringing in fresh perspectives and ideas, according to Strechay.

“I think also the diversity for creativity aspect of it is key,” he said. “I think we have to think differently, and getting more people, more diverse voices there really does help you be more creative. I think that’s been talked about by a lot of the different folks that we’ve had on, as well as some of the talks and in the hallways.”

The conference also touched upon the need for securing AI itself, as it becomes an integral part of the cybersecurity landscape. Ensuring the security of AI systems and preventing exploitation by cybercriminals is an ongoing challenge.

“I think there’s a real urgency to solve these problems and a real desire to bring government and the private sector to work together. And we need this to happen,” Knight added.

Here’s the complete video interview, part of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of the mWISE Conference:

(* Disclosure: This is an unsponsored editorial segment. However, theCUBE is a paid media partner for the mWISE Conference. Google LLC and other sponsors of theCUBE’s event coverage do not have editorial control over content on theCUBE or SiliconANGLE.)

Photo: SiliconANGLE